By the end of 2009 or early 2010, Health Canada plans to have re–evaluated all pest control products registered in Canada prior to 1995. At least 80% of this work was completed by July 2009, with the most common landscape and garden pest control products such as 2,4–D already re–evaluated. Health Canada has a mandate to approve only those pest control products that show no significant increased health risk, including cancer.

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

2,4–D Re–Evaluations

2,4–D is the active ingredient in the majority of lawn weed control products, and also has the distinction of being one of the main targets of anti–pesticide activity and attacks by many organizations and activists ─ at least, those who are unable to appreciate or understand the vast amount of research to which this product has been subjected.

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

2,4–D History

2,4–D was first registered in Canada in 1946.

Since that time, there have been numerous re–evaluations, by the PMRA ( Pest Management Regulatory Agency of Health Canada ), the U.S. EPA [ Environmental Protection Agency ], the World Health Organization ( WHO ), and the European Commission.

In fact, despite the opposite claims of many anti–pesticide organizations ( including the Canadian Cancer Society ), NO REGULATORY BODY IN THE WORLD CLASSIFIES 2,4–D AS A HUMAN CARCINOGEN.

The PMRA has stated that ...

« No other international body considers 2,4–D to be a human carcinogen. Based on all available and relevant data, Health Canada agrees with this position. »

Reference : Questions And Answers. Final Decision on the Re–Evaluation of 2,4–D, PMRA, January 14, 2009, Available Online.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [ EPA ] has stated that ...

« The Agency has determinedthat the existing data do not support a conclusion that links human cancer to 2,4–D exposure. »

Reference : Decision Not To Initiate Special Review, August 08, 2007, Available Online.

According to many internationally respected experts on 2,4–D, including Dr. Len Ritter ( Executive Director, Canadian Network of Toxicology Centres ) and the respected American toxicologist Dr. Frank N. Dost, 2,4–D is probably the most studied and best understood of any chemical ― not just pesticide ― in existence.

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

Pest Management Regulatory Agency of Health Canada ( PMRA )

This government agency employs over 350 qualified scientists, including ...

They are all dedicated to the evaluation of pest control products. One must wonder why the Canadian Cancer Society never references the findings of the PMRA in its campaign against the use of pest control products, and instead prefers to claim that pest control products are “ KNOWN ” to cause cancer.

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

The Ontario College of Family Physicians [ OCFP ] 2004 Pesticide Literature Review

This « STUDY » has been widely used by anti–pesticide groups as part of their claim of a « GROWING BODY OF EVIDENCE », and has then been accepted by many municipalities as proof of the carcinogenicity of pest control products.

However, the [ OCFP ] Review has been INTERNATIONALLY DISCREDITED, due to the fact it consists of cherry–picked epidemiological studies, with virtually no reference to important and relevant toxicological research.

Copied below, as one example, are excerpts from an analysis of The Ontario College of Family Physicians [ OCFP ] Review in the U.K. Government’s Report to the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution ( by Dr. Michael Burr, 2005, available online ) :

• The [ OCFP ] review takes a rather superficial approach in bringing together the findings of the individual studies.

• Few of the cited studies [ by OCFP ] adequately address the issue of confounding by co–exposures. Much of the evidence supporting an association between pesticide exposure and cancer is derived from occupational exposures, e.g. in agriculture, where animal viruses, diesel fumes, fertilisers ( sic ) and other factors may play a role.

• The [ OCFP ] review seems to over–interpret the findings, given the limitations of the relevant studies; strong conclusions are drawn from evidence of rather weak quality.

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

Precautionary Principle

This principle is used as the ultimate tool and guiding light by those opposed to the use of pest control products. There are numerous definitions of this principle ( which is also seen as anti–science by many scientists ), but the generally accepted one is that of the Rio Declaration, from a United Nations Conference on Environment and Development held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992.

This document states that ...

« Where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage, lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason for postponing cost–effective measures to prevent environmental degradation. »

Dr. Keith Solomon is Professor at the Centre for Toxicology and Department of Environmental Biology, University of Guelph, and Director, Canadian Network of Toxicology Centres.

As Dr. Keith Solomon explains :

« Landscape and garden use of pest control products does not qualify for consideration under the precautionary principle. They are not serious, they are selective to pests, have low toxicity to non–target organisms, and are well understood. The effects of these pest control products are not irreversible. There is rapid recovery through reinvasion and weed seeds and most need to be used at least once per year. »

The Rio Declaration, however, did not embody a vague enough definition for anti–pesticide and unscientific organizations such as the Canadian Cancer Society, which instead choose to use the definition contained in the Wingspread Statement :

« When an activity raises threats of harm to human health or the environment, precautionary measures should be taken even if some cause and effect relationships are not fully established scientifically. »

Note that « SERIOUS AND IRREVERSIBLE » has been deleted from the original.

This « STATEMENT » of the principle was formulated by a small group of environmentalists meeting in the U.S. in 1998, and it is not difficult to see why it would be chosen over the Rio Declaration as the weapon of choice.

In a 2006 published report by the prestigious British House of Commons Select Committee on Science and Technology, it was stated that ...

« [ ... ] the term ‘ precautionary principle ’ should not be used, and ( we ) recommend that it cease to be included in policy guidance. »

Also stated, by the British House of Commons Select Committee on Science and Technology, was the following :

« In our view, the terms ‘ precautionary principle ’ and ‘ precautionary approach ’ in isolation from any such clarification have been the subject of such confusion and different interpretations as to be devalued and of little practical help, particularly in public debate. Indeed, without such clarification and explanation, to elevate the precautionary approach or principle to a scientific methodology, which can be proved or disproved to have been applied in any particular case, is both unrealistic and impractical. It also provides ammunition for those seeking to promote an overly cautious approach to innovation or exposure to any risk at all. »

● Despite claims to the contrary, there are NO viable, efficacious, or economical products to replace present pest control products.

● There are only two « ALTERNATIVE » products approved for lawn care by Health Canada : Sarritor and corn gluten.

Sarritor is 5–10 times more expensive ― and certainly no safer ― than 2,4–D, and works only on top growth, necessitating even more applications.

Corn gluten can only used as a pre–emergent ― which means it is not effective for pre–existing weeds ― and provides only poor results.

● Despite claims to the contrary, children and pregnant women are taken into account when pest control products are registered in Canada :

« [E]xtra safety factors were applied to the no effect level identified in animal toxicity studies to protect population groups, such as children and pregnant women, that may be more susceptible to the potential effects of pest control products. This resulted in reference doses that were 300– to 1000–fold lower for these groups for these sensitive groups, which are more protective than the minimum 100–fold safety factor. Thus, products will not be considered acceptable for continued registration unless the estimated human exposure is at least 300 times to 1000 times less than the level at which there were no observed effects in the studies examined. These levels ensure the most sensitive population groups ― children and pregnant women ― are protected. »

● Many « ORGANICS » are considerably more toxic than conventional counterparts.

For example, consider copper, which is used by organic farmers, and is, indeed, labelled as « ORGANIC ». Yet, copper is non–degradable, corrosive, more toxic than its conventional counterparts, and can cause kidney and liver damage.

● Claims by anti–pesticide organizations that business increases for applicator companies after a ban are completely false.

The Statistics Canada figures used as « PROOF » are gleaned from a catch–all category that includes all landscape related companies, such as landscape installation and grass–cutting operations. If switching to products deemed « ORGANIC » increases income, why would applicators be opposed ?

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

Bottom Line

THE CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY IS NOT A SCIENTIFIC BODY : IT IS A FUND–RAISING ORGANIZATION, CONSISTING OF VOLUNTEERS AND ADMINISTRATORS. MUCH THE SAME CAN BE SAID FOR OTHER NON–SCIENTIFIC ORGANIZATIONS, SUCH AS TOXIC FREE CANADA AND THE CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF PHYSICIANS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT (CAPE).

The anti–pesticide organizations have no one in their employ with recognized pesticide training or appropriate scientific expertise.

Compare this with the over 350 qualified scientists at Pest Management Regulatory Agency of Health Canada, and the thousands at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

What is the rationale that causes municipalities to choose to listen to those emotionally and irrationally opposed to the use of pest control products, rather than the actual experts ?

Why is it that uninformed opinion and unsubstantiated claims take precedence over science for so many Councils and Councillors ?

According to Dr. Keith Solomon, the University of Guelph Professor of Toxicology, and an award–winning and internationally respected expert on pest control products, a lot of this has to do with « BYLAW ENVY ».

There has, in addition, been an almost universal lack of due diligence: if a number of municipalities pass a pesticide ban, then this alone is taken as acceptable « PROOF » of the need for further bans and one municipality simply copies the bylaws of others.

Add to this mix the non–scientific approach of the Canadian Cancer Society ( which, because of other ― good ― work done by them, manages to still be viewed as highly respected and reputable ) and other anti–pesticide organizations.

Many unsubstantiated claims are presented to Councils, using a combination of misinterpreted, poorly conducted studies and fraudulent information.

Thus is laid the groundwork for what appears superficially to be suitable grounds for a ban. However, « FACTS » cannot be validated by majority votes, and science is not determined through groundless emotion or uninformed public opinion polls.

According to Mr. Holland : “ Although I have never used my degree in the profession for which I studied, I found that the training I received in the methods of research was invaluable in enabling me to discern the facts of the real science behind the use of pest control products. Not being a scientist, I have always been guided by the work of those who are the actual experts. ”

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

William H. Gathercole and Norah G

National Organization Responding Against Huje that harm the Green Space Industry

Force Of Nature presents THE WHOLE TRUTH FROM AN INDEPENDENT PERSPECTIVE from National Organization Responding Against Huje that seek to harm the Green Space Industry (NORAHG). It is a series of Reports destined for the Green Space Industry, the Environmental Terror Movement, Governments, and the Media, nationwide across Canada, the United States, and overseas. The information presented in Force Of Nature has been developed for the education and entertainment of the reader by providing a sequence of historical events WITH COMMENTARY. The neutrality of these Reports might be disputed.

Huje is a term used to describe Enviro Maniac Activists that routinely concoct FEAR MONGERING, FRAUDULENT LIES, MISCONCEPTIONS, COERCION, THREATS, DECEPTIONS, TERROR, and PARANOID CONSPIRACIES that are DESIGNED to SCAM and DECEIVE the public into believing there is some NON–EXISTENT danger with conventional pest control products. Huje also SCAM and DECEIVE Government Officials into the NEEDLESS, SENSELESS, and MALICIOUS PROHIBITION of conventional pest control products that are FEDERALLY LEGAL, SCIENTIFICALLY SAFE, TOTALLY IRREPLACEABLE, and ABSOLUTELY INDISPENSABLE.

All information, excerpts, and pictures contained in this Report were found somewhere on the Internet, and may be considered in the public domain, serving one of the following purposes ― archive, education, promotion, publicity, or press release. The events, characters, companies, and organizations, depicted in this Report are not always fictitious. Any similarity to actual persons, living or dead, may not be coincidental. Force Of Nature is TOTALLY INDEPENDENT of any trade association or business operating within the Green Space Industry. Don’t thank us. It’s a public service. And we are glad to do it.

Force Of Nature, and its various incarnations, is the brainchild of William H. Gathercole and his entourage. Mr. Gathercole is a principal FOUNDER of the Modern Professional Lawn Care Industry in BOTH Ontario and Quebec. He holds a degree in Horticulture from the UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH, and another pure and applied science degree from McGILL UNIVERSITY. He has worked in virtually all aspects of the Green Space Industry, including GOLF, PROFESSIONAL LAWN CARE, and CHEMICAL INDUSTRY, and has served in public affairs, workplace safety, and environmental compliance. Mr. Gathercole has supervised, consulted, programmed, and/or overseen the successful and safe execution of HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of pest control applications in the urban landscape. He has trained, instructed, and consulted with THOUSANDS of turf managers and technicians. Mr. Gathercole has also been an agricultural agronomist. For many years, Mr. Gathercole was a contributing columnist for TURF & Recreation Magazine, Canada’s Turf and Grounds Maintenance Authority. Mr. Gathercole is now retired from Force Of Nature, although his name continues to appear as the FOUNDER. Mr. Gathercole is personally credited for crafting the Golf Industry Exception Status, that endures to this day. He is also the creator of the signs that are now used for posting after application. His vast knowledge of our long journey with Environmental Issues is UNDENIABLE ― hopefully ! For FIFTEEN YEARS, the strategies designed and implemented by Mr. Gathercole and his colleagues guaranteed the control of Environmental Terror for the entire Modern Green Space Industry across Canada. Mr. Gathercole’s involvement in Environmental Issues reached a fevered pitch in the 1990s, when he orchestrated, with his colleagues, legal action against the Forces of Environmental Evil in the Town of Hudson, Quebec. Mr. Gathercole is the ONLY TRUE RELIABLE WITNESS of the Hudson Affair.

Mr. Gathercole and his entourage have followed the evolution of ENVIRONMENTAL TERRORISM for over a quarter century. Through Force Of Nature, Enviro Maniac Activist Huje are identified on the basis of their statements, activities, affiliations, and whereabouts. Even though each Enviro Maniac Culprit is a misguided adversary, each still deserves our respect. The use of the terms Maniac, Culprit, Terrorist, or Basterd are not accusations of any legal wrong doing. Force Of Nature is simply holding Enviro Maniac Activists accountable for conspiring to change public policies that TERRORIZE, HARM, and THREATEN the Green Space Industry. Their pretentious prohibitionist rants have created LOSS OF REVENUES, BUSINESS FAILURES, BANKRUPTCY, and UNEMPLOYMENT, inflicting DESPAIR and DESTITUTION for THOUSANDS of hapless victims throughout the Green Space Industry. The DEPRAVED INDIFFERENCE of Maniac Culprit Terrorist Basterd Huje is viewed as a form of TERROR, HARM, and THREAT against the Green Space Industry.

For more about Enviro-Maniac CULPRITS who have conspired to prohibit federally legalscientifically safe, totally irreplaceable, andabsolutely indispensable pest control products,please go to the following links ...